Connector assembly

Abstract

The invention discloses a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a coaxial connector, a fixing member, and two fastening members. The coaxial connector includes an outer terminal and a center terminal. The outer terminal has a flange portion and two protruding portions. The flange portion has a first receiving portion and two second receiving portions. The first receiving portion faces forward in the front-rear direction. The fixing member has a main portion, a first contact portion, at least one spring portion, and two second contact portions. In a connected state in which the connector assembly is connected to the substrate, the spring portion presses the second contact portion against the second receiving portion while the second contact portion receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion by the pressing of the spring portion. In the connected state, the first contact portion is pressed against the first receiving portion in the front-rear direction by a reaction force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector assembly configured to be connected to a substrate. Background Art

[0002] For example, JPB 6853655 (Patent Document 1) discloses a connector assembly configured to be connected to a substrate.

[0003] Referring to Figure 34 and Figure 35 , the substrate-connector connection structure 900 in Patent Document 1 has a substrate 950 and a connector 910 or a connector assembly 910. Specifically, the connector assembly 910 is connected to the substrate 950. The substrate 950 has a signal pattern 952 or signal lines 952, a first ground layer 954, and a plating layer 956. Specifically, the plating layer 956 is located directly below the signal lines 952 and is formed in a region including the end face of the first ground layer 954. The connector assembly 910 includes a coaxial connector 920 and two screws 930 or fastening members 930. The coaxial connector 920 has a center conductor 922 or center terminal 922 and an outer conductor 924 or outer terminal 924. When the connector assembly 910 is connected to the substrate 950, the outer terminal 924 contacts the plating layer 956, and the plating layer 956 is electrically connected to the first ground layer 954. With this structure, the substrate-connector connection structure 900 of Patent Document 1 is configured to reduce the reflection characteristics of signals propagated between the substrate 950 and the connector assembly 910.

[0004] In the substrate-connector connection structure 900 of Patent Document 1, when the connector assembly 910 is connected to the substrate 950, it is difficult for the outer terminal 924 of the coaxial connector 920 to stably connect to the plating layer 956 of the substrate 950. Therefore, the substrate-connector connection structure 900 in Patent Document 1 may not be able to achieve a reliable electrical connection between the outer terminal 924 and the first ground layer 954. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a connector assembly such that the outer terminal of the coaxial connector of the connector assembly can be stably connected to the ground layer of the substrate.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a connector assembly configured to be connected to a substrate. The substrate is formed with two vias. Each via passes through the substrate in the vertical direction. The substrate has an upper surface and a lower surface in the vertical direction. Signal lines are formed on the upper surface of the substrate. The signal lines are located between the two vias in a lateral direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. A ground layer is formed on the lower surface of the substrate. The connector assembly includes a coaxial connector, a fixing member, and two fastening members. The coaxial connector is configured to be attached to the distal end of a coaxial cable. The coaxial connector includes an outer terminal and a center terminal. The outer terminal has a flange portion and two protruding portions. The flange portion has a first receiving portion and two second receiving portions. The first receiving portion faces forward in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the lateral direction. Each of the two second receiving portions faces at least rearward in the front-rear direction. The two protruding portions are separated from each other in the lateral direction. Each of the two protruding portions extends forward from the flange portion in the front-rear direction. The fixing member is made of metal. In a connected state where the connector assembly is connected to the substrate, the fixing member is located below the substrate in the vertical direction. In the connected state, the ground layer of the substrate is electrically connected to the first receiving portion of the flange portion through the fixing member. The fixing member has a main portion, a first contact portion, at least one spring portion, and two second contact portions. The main portion extends in a predetermined plane. The first contact portion is provided at the main portion. The first contact portion is at least partially located between the two second contact portions. The spring portion extends from the main portion and is elastically deformable. The two second contact portions are separated from each other in the lateral direction. At least one of the two second contact portions is supported by the spring portion and is movable in the predetermined plane. In the connected state, the spring portion presses the second contact portion against the second receiving portion, while the second contact portion receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion through the pressing of the spring portion. In the connected state, the first contact portion presses against the first receiving portion in the front-rear direction under the action of the reaction force. In the connected state, the two fastening members are respectively fixed to the two protruding portions of the outer terminal through the two vias of the substrate, while the two fastening members press the fixing member against the ground layer of the substrate, such that the predetermined plane is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0007] The connector assembly of the present invention is configured as follows: in a connected state where the connector assembly is connected to the substrate, the spring portion presses the second contact portion against the second receiving portion, while the second contact portion receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion through the pressing of the spring portion; in the connected state, the first contact portion presses against the first receiving portion in the front-rear direction under the action of the reaction force. Therefore, the connector assembly of the present invention is configured such that the fixing member is firmly connected to the outer terminal of the coaxial connector. Therefore, when the connector assembly of the present invention is connected to the substrate, the ground layer of the substrate is electrically connected to the first receiving portion of the flange portion of the outer terminal in a highly reliable manner through the fixing member. In other words, the connector assembly of the present invention enables the outer terminal of the coaxial connector of the connector assembly to be stably connected to the ground layer of the substrate.

[0008] The object of the present invention can be understood and the structure of the present invention can be more comprehensively understood by studying the following description of the preferred embodiments and referring to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the connector assembly is in a connected state where the connector assembly is connected to the substrate.

[0010] Figure 2 is a view showing Figure 1 another perspective view of the structure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a view showing Figure 1 the top view of the structure.

[0012] Figure 4 is a view showing Figure 1 the front view of the structure.

[0013] Figure 5 is a view showing a cross-sectional view of the structure taken along line A-A of Figure 4 the structure.

[0014] Figure 6 is a view showing Figure 1 the bottom view of the structure. In the figure, a part of the connector assembly is enlarged and shown.

[0015] Figure 7 is a view showing Figure 1 the side view of the structure.

[0016] Figure 8 is a view showing Figure 1 the exploded perspective view of the structure. In the figure, the coaxial connector is in a pre-connected state where the coaxial connector has not been connected to the substrate.

[0017] Figure 9 is a view showing Figure 2 another exploded perspective view of the structure. In the figure, the coaxial connector is in a pre-connected state where the coaxial connector has not been connected to the substrate.

[0018] Figure 10 is a view showing Figure 8 the side view of the coaxial connector included in the structure.

[0019] Figure 11 is a view showing Figure 8 the top view of the fixing member included in the structure.

[0020] Figure 12 is a view showing Figure 6 the bottom view of the first modification of the structure.

[0021] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing Figure 12 the fixed member included in the structure shown. In the figure, the spring portion is in the initial state where no elastic deformation occurs in the spring portion.

[0022] Figure 14 is a top view showing Figure 13 the fixed member shown.

[0023] Figure 15 is a bottom view showing Figure 6 the second modification of the structure shown.

[0024] Figure 16 is a perspective view showing Figure 15 the fixed member included in the structure shown. In the figure, the spring portion is in the initial state where no elastic deformation occurs in the spring portion.

[0025] Figure 17 is a top view showing Figure 16 the fixed member shown.

[0026] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the third modification of the structure shown. In the figure, the connector assembly is in the connected state where the connector assembly is connected to the substrate.

[0027] Figure 19 is another perspective view showing Figure 18 the structure shown.

[0028] Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view showing Figure 18 the structure shown. In the figure, the coaxial connector is in the pre-connected state where the coaxial connector has not been connected to the substrate.

[0029] Figure 21 is another exploded perspective view showing Figure 19 the structure shown.

[0030] Figure 22 is a top view showing Figure 20 the fixed member included in the structure shown.

[0031] Figure 23 is a perspective view showing Figure 1 the fourth modification of the structure shown. In the figure, the connector assembly is in the connected state where the connector assembly is connected to the substrate.

[0032] Figure 24 is another perspective view showing Figure 23 the structure shown.

[0033] Figure 25 is a perspective view showing Figure 24Exploded perspective view of the structure. In the figure, the coaxial connector is in a pre-connected state where the coaxial connector has not been connected to the substrate.

[0034] Figure 26 is a side view showing Figure 23 the coaxial connector included in the structure of.

[0035] Figure 27 is a side view showing Figure 24 another perspective view of the structure. In the figure, the substrate and the fastening member are not attached to the coaxial connector, and the coaxial connector and the fixing member are in a temporarily assembled state where the coaxial connector and the fixing member are temporarily assembled together.

[0036] Figure 28 is a side view showing Figure 1 a perspective view of the fifth modification of the structure. In the figure, the connector assembly is in a connected state where the connector assembly is connected to the substrate.

[0037] Figure 29 is a side view showing Figure 28 the bottom view of the structure. In the figure, a part of the connector assembly is enlarged and shown.

[0038] Figure 30 is a side view showing Figure 28 an exploded perspective view of the structure. In the figure, the coaxial connector is in a pre-connected state where the coaxial connector has not been connected to the substrate.

[0039] Figure 31 is a side view showing Figure 28 the coaxial connector included in the structure of.

[0040] Figure 32 is a side view showing Figure 31 the other side view of the coaxial connector of.

[0041] Figure 33 is a side view showing Figure 30 the top view of the fixing member included in the structure of.

[0042] Figure 34 is a perspective view showing the substrate-connector connection structure of Patent Document 1.

[0043] Figure 35 is a side view showing Figure 34 a cross-sectional view of a part of the substrate-connector connection structure in.

[0044] Although the present invention may have various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and their detailed description are not intended to limit the present invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0045] Description of Reference Numerals

[0046] 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E: Structures

[0047] 12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E: Connector Assemblies

[0048] 16: Substrate

[0049] 20, 20C, 20D, 20E: Coaxial Connectors

[0050] 21: Central Terminal

[0051] 212: Body

[0052] 214: Contact Portion

[0053] 218: Connection Portion

[0054] 22: Insulating Member

[0055] 24, 24C, 24D, 24E: Outer Terminals

[0056] 242, 242C, 242D, 242E: Front Conductive Members

[0057] 244: Rear Conductive Member

[0058] 25, 25C, 25D, 25E: Flange Portions

[0059] 252, 252D: First Receiving Portions

[0060] 254, 254D, 254E: Second Receiving Portions

[0061] 2541: Second Main Receiving Portion

[0062] 2542: Second Auxiliary Receiving Portion

[0063] 256, 256D, 256E: Guide Portions

[0064] 257: Plane Portion

[0065] 258: First Stopping Portion

[0066] 259: Second Stopping Portion

[0067] 26, 26D: End face

[0068] 27, 27C: Protrusion

[0069] 27U: Upper surface

[0070] 27L: Lower surface

[0071] 28: Screw hole

[0072] 28C: Press - fit hole

[0073] 29: Center hole

[0074] 40, 40A, 40B, 40D, 40E: Fixing member

[0075] 40C: Connecting member

[0076] 40U: Upper surface

[0077] 40L: Lower surface

[0078] 41C: Fixing member

[0079] 42, 42C, 42E: Pressing part

[0080] 45: Fastening hole

[0081] 46C: Press - fit part (fastening member)

[0082] 48C: Hole part

[0083] 401, 401A, 401B, 401C, 401E: Main part

[0084] 4011: Connecting part

[0085] 4012, 4012E: Extension part

[0086] 402, 402A, 402B, 402E: First contact part

[0087] 403, 403B: Protrusion

[0088] 404, 404E: Spring part

[0089] 4041, 4041E: First part

[0090] 4042, 4042E: Second part

[0091] 405, 405E: Second contact part

[0092] 4051: Second main contact part

[0093] 4052: Second auxiliary contact part

[0094] 406: Support part

[0095] 408: First stopped part

[0096] 409: Second stopped part

[0097] 60: Fastening member (screw)

[0098] 70U: Upper surface

[0099] 70L: Lower surface

[0100] 72: Through hole

[0101] 74: Signal line

[0102] 76X: Pad

[0103] 77X: Through hole

[0104] 78A: Ground layer

[0105] 80: Coaxial cable

[0106] 82: Center conductor

[0107] 84: Inner insulator

[0108] 86: Outer insulator

[0109] 88: Sheath

[0110] 89: Mating connector

[0111] D1: First distance

[0112] D2: Second distance Detailed implementation manners

[0113] Refer to Figure 2 , the structure 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a connector assembly 12 and a substrate 16. The substrate 16 extends along a horizontal plane. The connector assembly 12 is configured to be connected to the substrate 16. Specifically, the connector assembly 12 is configured to be connected to the rear end portion of the substrate 16 in a front - rear direction parallel to the horizontal plane. Figures 1 to 7 In each figure of Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the connector assembly 12 is in a connected state where the connector assembly 12 is connected to the substrate 16. On the contrary,

[0114] The horizontal plane of this embodiment is the XY plane. The front-rear direction of this embodiment is the X direction. In this embodiment, "forward" refers to the positive X direction, and "backward" refers to the negative X direction. Terms such as the horizontal plane and the front-rear direction do not represent the absolute positional relationship with respect to the ground, but only represent the relative positional relationship defined under the condition that the substrate 16 extends on the horizontal plane and the connector assembly 12 is located behind the substrate 16.

[0115] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , there is no specific limitation on the substrate 16. Specifically, the substrate 16 can be a flexible board or a rigid substrate.

[0116] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the substrate 16 has an upper surface 70U and a lower surface 70L in the up-down direction perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The upper surface 70U and the lower surface 70L are located at the upper end and the lower end of the base 70 respectively. The up-down direction in this embodiment is the Z direction. In this embodiment, "upward" refers to the positive Z direction, and "downward" refers to the negative Z direction.

[0117] As Figure 8 shown, two vias 72 are formed on the substrate 16. Each via 72 penetrates the substrate 16 in the up-down direction. Each via 72 is circular on the horizontal plane. The vias 72 formed in this way are used to fasten the connector assembly 12 to the substrate 16, as described later. The two vias 72 are separated from each other in the lateral direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction, and are located at the same position in the front-rear direction. The lateral direction of this embodiment is the Y direction. In addition, the lateral direction is also referred to as the left-right direction. In this embodiment, "rightward" refers to the positive Y direction, and "leftward" refers to the negative Y direction.

[0118] The vias 72 in this embodiment are formed as described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, there is no specific limitation on the shape of each via 72. In addition, the number of vias 72 can be three or more. In this case, two of the vias 72 can be separated from each other in the lateral direction and can be located at the same position in the front-rear direction.

[0119] As Figure 8 shown, a signal line 74 is formed on the upper surface 70U of the substrate 16, and the signal line 74 is a conductive pattern. The signal line 74 extends in the front-rear direction and is located between the two vias 72 in the lateral direction.

[0120] As Figure 9 shown, a ground layer 78A is formed on the lower surface 70L of the substrate 16, and the ground layer 78A is a conductive pattern and covers the entire lower surface 70L.

[0121] Referring to Figure 3, in this example, the signal line 74 is connected to the antenna, which is formed at the front end portion (not shown) of the substrate 16. In this example, the connector assembly 12 in the connected state transmits signals to the antenna through the signal line 74. The signals thus transmitted are sent outwards from the antenna. On the other hand, the signals received by the antenna are transmitted to the connector assembly 12 through the signal line 74. For example, the use of the structure 10 of this embodiment is as described above. In other words, the structure 10 of this embodiment is an antenna device. However, the use of the structure 10 of the present invention is not specifically limited. The structure 10 of the present invention can be any electronic device with a substrate 16.

[0122] As Figure 8 shown, the substrate 16 includes two pads 76X, and each pad 76X is a conductive pattern. Two vias 72 respectively pass through the pads 76X. A plurality of through holes 77X are formed on each pad 76X. Each through hole 77X passes through the substrate 70 and the pad 76X in the up and down direction, so that each pad 76X is electrically connected to the ground layer 78A (see Figure 9 ) of the lower surface 70L.

[0123] The substrate 16 of this embodiment has the above structure. However, the structure of the substrate 16 can be modified according to the use of the structure 10. For example, the ground layer 78A can be partially formed on the lower surface 70L.

[0124] Referring to Figure 9 , the connector assembly 12 of this embodiment includes a coaxial connector 20, a fixing member 40, and two fastening members 60 or two screws 60. The connector assembly 12 of this embodiment only includes the above components. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the above components, the connector assembly 12 can further include other components.

[0125] Hereinafter, the coaxial connector 20, the fixing member 40, and the fastening member 60 in this embodiment will be described in sequence.

[0126] Referring to Figure 5 , the coaxial connector 20 of this embodiment is configured to be attached to the distal end of the coaxial cable 80. Specifically, the coaxial connector 20 is configured to be attached to the front end of the coaxial cable 80. The coaxial connector 20 in this embodiment is a so-called subminiature A-type (SMA) connector. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but can be applied to various coaxial connectors 20.

[0127] Referring to Figure 5, the coaxial cable 80 shown by the dashed line is a typical coaxial cable, including a central conductor 82 made of a conductor, an inner insulator 84 made of an insulator and covering the central conductor 82, an outer conductor 86 made of a conductor and covering the inner insulator 84, and a sheath 88 made of an insulator and covering the outer conductor 86. The number of the central conductors 82 in this embodiment is one. As long as the number of the central conductors 82 is one, the structure of the coaxial connector 20 is not particularly limited. For example, the outer conductor 86 can be a braid made of fine metal wires or can be made of a metal foil. For example, the coaxial cable 80 can be connected to the rear end of the coaxial connector 20 through a mating connector 89 attached to the coaxial cable 80.

[0128] Referring to Figure 5 , the coaxial connector 20 of this embodiment includes a central terminal 21 made of metal and an outer terminal 24 made of metal.

[0129] As Figure 5 shown, the central terminal 21 of this embodiment extends in the front-rear direction and has a main body 212, a contact portion 214, and a connection portion 218. The main body 212 is the middle portion of the central terminal 21 in the front-rear direction. The contact portion 214 extends forward from the main body 212. As Figure 10 shown, after the coaxial connector 20 is assembled, the contact portion 214 bends downward in the up-down direction. Specifically, in the pre-connection state where the connector assembly 12 has not been connected to the substrate 16, the contact portion 214 extends forward and downward. The contact portion 214 defines the front end of the central terminal 21 in the front-rear direction. As Figure 5 shown, the connection portion 218 has a socket shape and extends backward from the main body 212. The connection portion 218 defines the rear end of the central terminal 21 in the front-rear direction. When the coaxial connector 20 is attached to the coaxial cable 80, the central terminal 21 is connected to the central conductor 82 of the coaxial cable 80. Specifically, the connection portion 218 of the central terminal 21 is configured to be electrically connected to the central conductor 82. The interconnected central terminal 21 and central conductor 82 transmit signals to each other.

[0130] The central terminal 21 of this embodiment has the above structure. However, as long as the central terminal 21 has the contact portion 214 extending in the front-rear direction, the structure of the central terminal 21 can be modified as needed.

[0131] As Figure 5 shown, the outer terminal 24 of this embodiment includes a front conductive member 242 and a rear conductive member 244. The front conductive member 242 is combined with the rear conductive member 244 and is located in front of the rear conductive member 244. The front conductive member 242 is in contact with the rear conductive member 244. The outer terminal 24 in this embodiment is composed of the above two members. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the front conductive member 242 and the rear conductive member 244 can be members integrally formed with each other.

[0132] Refer to Figure 5 , when the coaxial connector 20 is attached to the coaxial cable 80, the outer terminal 24 is electrically connected to the outer conductor 86 of the coaxial cable 80. Specifically, the rear conductive member 244 of the outer terminal 24 is configured to be electrically connected to the outer conductor 86. The interconnected outer terminal 24 and outer conductor 86 have the same ground potential as each other.

[0133] As Figure 9 shown, the outer terminal 24 has a flange portion 25 and two protruding portions 27.

[0134] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the flange portion 25 of the present embodiment has a first receiving portion 252 and two second receiving portions 254.

[0135] As Figure 9 shown, the first receiving portion 252 faces forward in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the lateral direction. In the up-down direction, the first receiving portion 252 is located near the middle of the flange portion 25. In the lateral direction, the first receiving portion 252 is located in the middle of the flange portion 25. Refer to Figure 2 and Figure 9 , in the connected state, the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 is electrically connected to the first receiving portion 252 of the flange portion 25 through the fixing member 40.

[0136] As Figure 6 shown, each of the two second receiving portions 254 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The second receiving portion 254 may face rearward in the front-rear direction and face outward in the lateral direction. In other words, each of the two second receiving portions 254 should face at least rearward in the front-rear direction. The second receiving portions 254 are respectively located at opposite ends of the flange portion 25 in the lateral direction.

[0137] As Figure 10 shown, the first receiving portion 252 is located in front of any one of the second receiving portions 254 in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the first receiving portion 252 faces forward and the second receiving portion 254 faces at least rearward, the first receiving portion 252 may be located behind the second receiving portion 254 in the front-rear direction. If the configurations of the first receiving portion 252 and the second receiving portion 254 are similar to those of the present embodiment, the size of the flange portion 25 in the front-rear direction can be reduced. Therefore, the first receiving portion 252 and the second receiving portion 254 in the present embodiment are more preferable. The flange portion 25 has a second distance D2 between the first receiving portion 252 and any one of the second receiving portions 254 in the front-rear direction.

[0138] Refer to Figure 8, the flange portion 25 of this embodiment has two guiding portions 256. Each guiding portion 256 is inclined in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The guiding portions 256 are located below the second receiving portion 254 in the up-down direction. The guiding portions 256 respectively correspond to the second receiving portion 254. Each guiding portion 256 is located below the corresponding second receiving portion 254 in the up-down direction.

[0139] As Figure 9 shown, the two protruding portions 27 in this embodiment are separated from each other in the lateral direction. The contact portion 214 is located between the two protruding portions 27 in the lateral direction. Each of the two protruding portions 27 extends forward from the flange portion 25 in the front-rear direction. The two protruding portions 27 in this embodiment have a mirror-symmetrical shape with respect to a predetermined plane or the XZ plane. The two protruding portions 27 arranged in this way are located at the same position in the up-down direction. Each of the two protruding portions 27 has an upper surface 27U and a lower surface 27L in the up-down direction. Each of the upper surface 27U and the lower surface 27L is a plane parallel to the horizontal plane. The upper surface 27U defines the upper end of the protruding portion 27 in the up-down direction. The lower surface 27L defines the lower end of the protruding portion 27 in the up-down direction. As Figure 10 shown, in the pre-connection state, the lower end of the contact portion 214 is located below the lower surface 27L of the protruding portion 27. Refer to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 , in the connection state, the outer terminal 24 is grounded to the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 through the protruding portion 27 and the pad 76X.

[0140] As Figure 9 shown, each protruding portion 27 of this embodiment is formed with a screw hole 28. Each screw hole 28 of this embodiment passes through the protruding portion 27 in the up-down direction. In the horizontal plane, the positions of the screw holes 28 respectively correspond to the positions of the vias 72 of the substrate 16. Specifically, the two screw holes 28 are separated from each other in the lateral direction and are located at the same position in the front-rear direction. The number of screw holes 28 in this embodiment is two. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, each protruding portion 27 may be formed with two or more screw holes 28. Each screw hole 28 may be a hole with a top cover.

[0141] As Figure 4 shown, the outer terminal 24 of this embodiment is formed with a central hole 29. The central hole 29 is circular in the YZ plane. The central hole 29 is located between the two protruding portions 27 in the lateral direction. The central terminal 21 is located at the center of the central hole 29 in the YZ plane.

[0142] As Figure 9As shown, the outer terminal 24 also has an end face 26. The end face 26 in this embodiment is a plane parallel to the YZ plane. The first receiving portion 252 is a part of the end face 26 of the flange portion 25. Each protruding portion 27 protrudes forward from the end face 26 in the front-rear direction. The contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 is located in front of the end face 26. The contact portion 214 extends forward in the front-rear direction beyond the end face 26.

[0143] The end face 26, the protruding portion 27, and the contact portion 214 in this embodiment have the above-described structures and are arranged as described above. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the structures and arrangements of the end face 26, the protruding portion 27, and the contact portion 214 can be modified as needed.

[0144] As Figure 5 shown, the coaxial connector 20 of this embodiment further includes an insulating member 22. The coaxial connector 20 of this embodiment only includes the center terminal 21, the insulating member 22, and the outer terminal 24. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the above components, the coaxial connector 20 may further include other components.

[0145] As Figure 5 shown, the insulating member 22 surrounds the main body 212 of the center terminal 21 in a vertical plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction or the YZ plane. The outer terminal 24 surrounds the insulating member 22 in the YZ plane. The insulating member 22 arranged in this way is located between the center terminal 21 and the outer terminal 24 in the YZ plane. In other words, the insulating member 22 insulates the outer terminal 24 and the center terminal 21 from each other. The center terminal 21, the insulating member 22, and the outer terminal 24 in this embodiment are arranged as described above. However, as long as the outer terminal 24 and the center terminal 21 are insulated from each other by the insulating member 22, there is no specific limitation on the arrangement of the center terminal 21, the insulating member 22, and the outer terminal 24.

[0146] As Figure 9 shown, the fixing member 40 in this embodiment is in the shape of a flat plate. As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the fixing member 40 has an upper surface 40U and a lower surface 40L. As Figure 7 shown, in the connected state where the connector assembly 12 is connected to the substrate 16, the fixing member 40 is located below the substrate 16 in the up-down direction. Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 9 , in the connected state where the connector assembly 12 is connected to the substrate 16, the fixing member 40 is in contact with the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16. As Figure 6 shown, the fixing member 40 is in contact with the outer terminal 24 in the connected state. The fixing member 40 is made of metal. It should be noted that the fixing member 40 is preferably surface-treated, such as gold-plated, in order to reliably contact the substrate 16 and the outer terminal 24.

[0147] As shown Figure 11 in FIG. Figure 11 , the fixing member 40 has a main portion 401, a first contact portion 402, two spring portions 404, and two second contact portions 405. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the number of the spring portions 404 may be one. In other words, the fixing member 40 should have the main portion 401, the first contact portion 402, at least one spring portion 404, and two second contact portions 405.

[0148] As shown Figure 9 in FIG. Figure 9 , the main portion 401 of the present embodiment extends in a predetermined plane. Specifically, the main portion 401 extends entirely within the predetermined plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, a part of the main portion 401 should extend within the predetermined plane. In other words, the main portion 401 should mainly extend within the predetermined plane. As shown Figure 11 in FIG. Figure 11 , the main portion 401 has two extension portions 4012. The extension portions 4012 are respectively located at opposite ends of the main portion 401 in the lateral direction.

[0149] As shown Figure 11 in FIG. Figure 11 , the first contact portion 402 of the present embodiment is provided on the main portion 401. The first contact portion 402 faces rearward in the front-rear direction. The first contact portion 402 defines the rear end of the main portion 401. The first contact portion 402 is the rear end face of the main portion 401. The first contact portion 402 is at least partially located between the two second contact portions 405. As shown Figure 6 in FIG. Figure 6 , in the connected state, the first contact portion 402 contacts the first receiving portion 252. In other words, in the connected state, the first contact portion 402 and the first receiving portion 252 are electrically connected to each other.

[0150] As shown Figure 11 in FIG. Figure 11 , each spring portion 404 of the present embodiment extends from the main portion 401 and is elastically deformable. Referring to Figure 6 FIG. Figure 6 , the two spring portions 404 respectively correspond to the two guiding portions 256 of the flange portion 25 of the coaxial connector 20. Each spring portion 404 has a first portion 4041 and a second portion 4042.

[0151] As shown Figure 11 in FIG. Figure 11 , the first portion 4041 of the present embodiment extends in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the first portion 4041 mainly extends in the front-rear direction. When the fixing member 40 is observed alone, the first portion 4041 extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the main portion 401 and extends inward in the lateral direction. Specifically, when the fixing member 40 is observed alone, the first portion 4041 extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the extension portion 4012 of the main portion 401 and extends inward in the lateral direction.

[0152] As shown Figure 11As shown, the second part 4042 of this embodiment extends from the first part 4041 in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction. Specifically, the second part 4042 extends inward from the first part 4041 in the lateral direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0153] As Figure 11 shown, the two second contact parts 405 in this embodiment are separated from each other in the lateral direction. The two spring parts 404 respectively support the two second contact parts 405. Therefore, each of the two second contact parts 405 can move within a predetermined plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The fixing member 40 should be configured such that at least one of the two second contact parts 405 is supported by the spring part 404 while at least one second contact part 405 can move within a predetermined plane. The second contact part 405 is supported by the second part 4042. The second contact part 405 is located near the inner end of the second part 4042 in the lateral direction. Referring to Figure 6 , as described later, when the fixing member 40 is attached to the coaxial connector 20, the guiding part 256 guides the second contact part 405 to the second receiving part 254. In the connected state, the second contact part 405 contacts the second receiving part 254. In the connected state, the second contact part 405 of the fixing member 40 made of metal is electrically connected to the second receiving part 254 of the flange part 25 made of metal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, in the connected state, the second contact part 405 and the second receiving part 254 may not be electrically connected to each other.

[0154] As Figure 11 shown, when the fixing member 40 is observed separately, the fixing member 40 has a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second contact part 405 and the first contact part 402. In other words, in the initial state where the spring part 404 does not undergo elastic deformation, the fixing member 40 has a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second contact part 405 and the first contact part 402. If the fixing member 40 has only a single spring part 404, when the fixing member 40 is observed separately, the fixing member 40 should have a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second contact part 405 supported by the spring part 404 and the first contact part 402. That is, if at least one of the two second contact parts 405 is supported by the spring part 404, when the fixing member 40 is observed separately, the fixing member 40 should have a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between at least one second contact part 405 and the first contact part 402. Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the first distance D1 is less than the second distance D2. Therefore, in the connected state, when the spring part 404 undergoes elastic deformation, the flange part 25 is clamped between the first contact part 402 and the second contact part 405 of the fixing member 40 through the first receiving part 252 and the second receiving part 254.

[0155] Reference Figure 6 In the connected state, the two spring portions 404 respectively abut against the two second receiving portions 254 to press the two second contact portions 405. More specifically, in the connected state, the spring portion 404 abuts against the second receiving portion 254 to press the second contact portion 405, and at the same time, the second contact portion 405 receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion 254 by the pressing of the spring portion 404. In the connected state, the first contact portion 402 presses against the first receiving portion 252 in the front-rear direction under the action of the reaction force. Therefore, the connector assembly 12 of the present embodiment is configured to firmly connect the fixing member 40 to the outer terminal 24 of the coaxial connector 20. Therefore, when the connector assembly 12 of the present embodiment is connected to the substrate 16, the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 is electrically connected to the first receiving portion 252 of the flange portion 25 of the outer terminal 24 in a highly reliable manner. That is, in the connector assembly 12 of the present embodiment, the outer terminal 24 can be stably connected to the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16, which can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signal propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12.

[0156] As Figure 8 shown, the fixing member 40 has a pressing portion 42. As will be described later, the pressing portion 42 is a portion configured to press against the substrate 16 in the connected state. According to the present embodiment, the middle portion of the upper surface 40U in the lateral direction mainly serves as the pressing portion 42.

[0157] As Figure 9 shown, the fixing member 40 of the present embodiment is formed with two fastening holes 45. Each fastening hole 45 passes through the fixing member 40 in the up-down direction. As Figure 11 shown, each fastening hole 45 is circular in the horizontal plane. Reference Figure 8 is made to, in the horizontal plane, the positions of the fastening holes 45 respectively correspond to the positions of the vias 72 of the substrate 16. The two fastening holes 45 arranged in this way are separated from each other in the lateral direction and are located at the same position in the front-rear direction.

[0158] The fixing member 40 in the present embodiment has the above-described configuration. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of each fastening hole 45 is not particularly limited. In addition, the number of the fastening holes 45 may be three or more.

[0159] Reference Figure 7 is made to, the connector assembly 12 and the connected substrate 16 together constitute a structure 10. The substrate 16 of the structure 10 is located between the fixing member 40 and each protruding portion 27 of the outer terminal 24 in the up-down direction. Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5, the signal line 74 of the substrate 16 is pressed from below by the fixing member 40, so that the signal line 74 abuts against the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 and contacts the contact portion 214. Accordingly, the contact portion 214 and the signal line 74 are electrically connected to each other. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the contact portion 214 and the signal line 74 may be connected to each other by soldering.

[0160] As Figure 9 shown, the shapes of the two fastening members 60 in the present embodiment are the same as each other. More specifically, each fastening member 60 in the present embodiment is a screw 60. Accordingly, each fastening member 60 has a thread (not shown). More specifically, each fastening member 60 is a right-handed screw 60 made of metal. The fastening members 60 are provided to correspond to the through holes 72 of the substrate 16, respectively. Accordingly, the number of the fastening members 60 in the present embodiment is two. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the connector assembly 12 may be provided with three or more fastening members 60 having different shapes from each other. Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 9 , in the connected state, each fastening member 60 is screwed into the screw hole 28 through the fastening hole 45 of the fixing member 40 and the through hole 72 of the substrate 16.

[0161] The connector assembly 12 of the present embodiment is configured to be connected to the substrate 16 by the following connection method. The connection method described below is only an example and may be modified as needed.

[0162] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , first, the coaxial connector 20 and the substrate 16 are arranged in the vertical direction such that the lower surface 27L of the protruding portion 27 of the coaxial connector 20 and the upper surface 70U of the substrate 16 are in contact with each other in the vertical direction, while the screw hole 28 of the coaxial connector 20 and the through hole 72 of the substrate 16 are located at the same position on the horizontal plane.

[0163] Next, the fixing member 40 is arranged relative to the coaxial connector 20 and the substrate 16 in the vertical direction such that the lower surface 70L of the substrate 16 faces the upper surface 40U of the fixing member 40 in the vertical direction, while each guiding portion 256 of the coaxial connector 20 and the second contact portion 405 of the corresponding spring portion 404 of the fixing member 40 are located at the same position on the horizontal plane.

[0164] Then, the fixing member 40 is moved so as to approach the coaxial connector 20 and the substrate 16 in the vertical direction. Then, the second contact portion 405 of the fixing member 40 contacts the guiding portion 256 of the coaxial connector 20.

[0165] In this state, the fixed member 40 is further moved so as to approach the coaxial connector 20 and the substrate 16 in the vertical direction. Then, the second contact portion 405 of the fixed member 40 straddles the guiding portion 256 of the coaxial connector 20 and is placed on the second receiving portion 254 of the coaxial connector 20, while the upper surface 40U of the fixed member 40 contacts the lower surface 70L of the substrate 16 in the vertical direction.

[0166] In this state, the first contact portion 402 of the fixed member 40 contacts the first receiving portion 252 of the coaxial connector 20 in the front-rear direction, while the second contact portion 405 of the fixed member 40 contacts the corresponding second receiving portion 254 of the coaxial connector 20 in the front-rear direction. Further, in this state, each spring portion 404 presses the corresponding second contact portion 405 against the corresponding second receiving portion 254, while the second contact portion 405 receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion 254 by the pressing of the spring portion 404. In addition, in this state, the first contact portion 402 presses against the first receiving portion 252 in the front-rear direction by the reaction force.

[0167] After that, each fastening member 60 is screwed into the screw hole 28 of the protruding portion 27 of the coaxial connector 20 through the fastening hole 45 of the fixed member 40 and the through hole 72 of the substrate 16. Thus, the state of the connector assembly 12 changes to the connected state where the connector assembly 12 is connected to the substrate 16.

[0168] Refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 , in the connected state, the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 contacts the signal line 74 of the substrate 16. As described above, in the pre-connected state, the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 extends forward and downward, while the lower end of the contact portion 214 is located below the lower surface 27L of the protruding portion 27. Therefore, in the connected state, the contact portion 214 abuts against the signal line 74 of the substrate 16 and undergoes elastic deformation. This elastic deformation generates a restoring force that presses the contact portion 214 against the signal line 74 from above.

[0169] As Figure 5 shown, in the connected state, the fixed member 40 is located below the substrate 16 in the vertical direction. Refer to Figure 5 and Figure 9 , in the connected state, the head of each fastening member 60 presses against the lower surface 40L of the fixed member 40 and presses the fixed member 40 upward. The upper surface 40U of the fixed member 40 pressed in this way presses the substrate 16 against the lower surface 27L of the protruding portion 27. Therefore, the substrate 16 is sandwiched and held between the fixed member 40 and each protruding portion 27. The sandwiched substrate 16 has a contact area located below the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21. The pressing portion 42 of the fixed member 40 (see Figure 8Press against the contact area of the substrate 16 and support the contact area from below. If the substrate 16 is a flexible board, the contact area of the substrate 16 will not bend even when a force is applied from above. In the connected state, the fixing member 40 presses against the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 such that a predetermined plane is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0170] That is, in the connected state, the two fastening members 60 are respectively fixed to the two protrusions 27 of the outer terminal 24 through the two through holes 72 of the substrate 16, and at the same time, the two fastening members 60 press the fixing member 40 against the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 such that a predetermined plane is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0171] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 9 , in the connected state, the outer terminal 24 is grounded to the ground layer 78A of the lower surface 70L of the substrate 16 through the protrusion 27, the fastening member 60, and the fixing member 40.

[0172] In addition to the various modification examples already described, the structure 10 of the present embodiment can be further modified in various ways. Hereinafter, five modification examples of the structure 10 will be described, with an emphasis on the differences in the structure 10.

[0173] (First modification example)

[0174] Compare Figure 12 with Figure 6 , the structure 10A according to the first modification example includes a connector assembly 12A and a substrate 16. The substrate 16 of this modification example has the same structure as the substrate 16 of the foregoing embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted. Similar to the connector assembly 12, the connector assembly 12A is configured to be connected to the substrate 16.

[0175] As Figure 12 shown, the connector assembly 12A of this modification example includes a coaxial connector 20, a fixing member 40A, and two fastening members 60. The coaxial connector 20 and the fastening member 60 of this modification example have the same structures as the coaxial connector 20 and the fixing member 60 of the foregoing embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0176] As Figure 14 shown, the fixing member 40A of this modification example has a main portion 401A, a first contact portion 402A, two spring portions 404, and two second contact portions 405. The spring portions 404 and the second contact portions 405 of this modification example have the same structures as the spring portions 404 and the second contact portions 405 of the foregoing embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0177] As Figure 14As shown, the main part 401A of this modified example extends within a predetermined plane. Specifically, the main part 401A extends entirely within the predetermined plane. The main part 401A has two extension parts 4012. The extension part 4012 of this modified example has the same structure as the extension part 4012 of the foregoing embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0178] As Figure 14 shown, the first contact part 402A of this modified example is constituted by a protrusion 403. The protrusion 403 is located at the middle position of the fixed member 40A in the lateral direction. The protrusion 403 protrudes backward from the main part 401A in the front-rear direction. As Figure 12 shown, in the connection state where the connector assembly 12A is connected to the substrate 16, the protrusion 403 contacts the first receiving part 252. In other words, in the connection state, the protrusion 403 of the fixed member 40A and the first receiving part 252 of the flange part 25 are electrically connected to each other. Refer Figure 12 and Figure 3 , in the connection state, the protrusion 403 is located between the two protruding parts 27 in the lateral direction. In the connection state, the protrusion 403 is located at the same position as the contact part 214 of the center terminal 21 in the lateral direction. In the connection state, the protrusion 403 is located near the contact part 214 of the center terminal 21.

[0179] As Figure 14 shown, when the fixed member 40A is observed separately, the fixed member 40A has a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second contact part 405 and the first contact part 402A. In other words, in the initial state where the spring part 404 does not undergo elastic deformation, the fixed member 40A has a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second contact part 405 and the first contact part 402A. Refer Figure 10 and Figure 14 , the first distance D1 is smaller than the second distance D2. Therefore, in the connection state, while the spring part 404 undergoes elastic deformation, the flange part 25 is clamped between the first contact part 402A and the second contact part 405 of the fixed member 40A through the first receiving part 252 and the second receiving part 254.

[0180] Refer Figure 12, in the connected state, two spring portions 404 press two second contact portions 405 against two second receiving portions 254 respectively. More specifically, in the connected state, the spring portion 404 presses the second contact portion 405 against the second receiving portion 254, and at the same time, the second contact portion 405 receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion 254 by the pressing of the spring portion 404. In the connected state, the first contact portion 402A presses against the first receiving portion 252 in the front-rear direction under the action of the reaction force. Therefore, the connector assembly 12A of this modified example is also configured to firmly connect the fixing member 40A to the outer terminal 24 of the coaxial connector 20. Therefore, when the connector assembly 12A of this modified example is connected to the substrate 16, the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 is electrically connected to the first receiving portion 252 of the flange portion 25 of the outer terminal 24 in a highly reliable manner through the fixing member 40A. That is, in the connector assembly 12A of this modified example, the outer terminal 24 of the coaxial connector 20 of the connector assembly 12A can be stably connected to the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16, which can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signal propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12A.

[0181] As described above, in the connected state, the first contact portion 402A near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20 presses against the first receiving portion 252 in the front-rear direction. This makes the fixing member 40A always contact the flange portion 25 near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20 in the connected state.

[0182] It has been found that in order to reduce the reflection characteristics of the signal propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assemblies 12, 12A, preferably, in the connected state, the fixing members 40A, 40 contact the flange portion 25 near the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20.

[0183] As described above, the connector assembly 12A of this modified example is configured such that the fixing member 40A always contacts the flange portion 25 near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20 in the connected state. Therefore, in the connected state, even if the contact force between the first contact portion 402A and the first receiving portion 252 is not large, for example, the connector assembly 12A of this modified example can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signal propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12A.

[0184] (Second modified example)

[0185] The Figure 15 and Figure 6In comparison, the structure 10B according to the second modification example includes a connector assembly 12B and a substrate 16. The structure of the substrate 16 in this modification example is the same as that of the substrate 16 in the foregoing embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted. Similar to the connector assembly 12, the connector assembly 12B is configured to be connected to the substrate 16.

[0186] As Figure 15 shown, the connector assembly 12B of this modification example includes a coaxial connector 20, a fixing member 40B, and two fastening members 60. The structures of the coaxial connector 20 and the fastening member 60 in this modification example are the same as those of the coaxial connector 20 and the fastening member 60 in the above embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0187] As Figure 17 shown, the fixing member 40B of this modification example has a main portion 401B, a first contact portion 402B, two spring portions 404, and two second contact portions 405. The structures of the spring portion 404 and the second contact portion 405 in this modification example are the same as those of the spring portion 404 and the second contact portion 405 in the above embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0188] As Figure 17 shown, the main portion 401B of this modification example extends in a predetermined plane. Specifically, the main portion 401B extends entirely within the predetermined plane. The main portion 401B has two extension portions 4012. The structures of the extension portions 4012 in this modification example are the same as those of the extension portions 4012 in the above embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0189] As Figure 17 shown, the first contact portion 402B of the second modification example is composed of two protrusions 403B. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, the first contact portion 402B may include at least one protrusion 403B. Each protrusion 403B is located near the middle of the fixing member 40B in the lateral direction. Each protrusion 403B protrudes backward from the main portion 401B in the front-rear direction. As Figure 15 shown, in the connected state where the connector assembly 12B is connected to the substrate 16, each protrusion 403B contacts the first receiving portion 252. In other words, in the connected state, each protrusion 403B of the fixing member 40B is electrically connected to the first receiving portion 252 of the flange portion 25. Referring to Figure 15 and Figure 3 , in the connected state, each protrusion 403B is located between the two protruding portions 27 in the lateral direction. In the connected state, the two protrusions 403B are respectively located on opposite sides of the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 in the lateral direction. In the connected state, each protrusion 403B is located near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21.

[0190] As Figure 17 shown, when the fixing member 40B is observed alone, the fixing member 40B has a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second contact portion 405 and the first contact portion 402B. In other words, in the initial state where the spring portion 404 is not elastically deformed, the fixing member 40B has a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second contact portion 405 and the first contact portion 402B. Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 17 , the first distance D1 is smaller than the second distance D2. Therefore, in the connected state, while the spring portion 404 is elastically deformed, the flange portion 25 is sandwiched between the first contact portion 402B and the second contact portion 405 of the fixing member 40B through the first receiving portion 252 and the second receiving portion 254.

[0191] Referring to Figure 15 , in the connected state, the two spring portions 404 press the two second contact portions 405 against the two second receiving portions 254 respectively. More specifically, in the connected state, the spring portion 404 presses the second contact portion 405 against the second receiving portion 254, and at the same time, the second contact portion 405 receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion 254 by the pressing of the spring portion 404. In the connected state, the first contact portion 402B presses against the first receiving portion 252 in the front-rear direction under the action of the reaction force. Therefore, the connector assembly 12B of this modified example is configured to firmly connect the fixing member 40B to the outer terminal 24 of the coaxial connector 20. Therefore, when the connector assembly 12B of this modified example is connected to the substrate 16, the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 is electrically connected to the first receiving portion 252 of the flange portion 25 of the outer terminal 24 in a highly reliable manner. That is, in the connector assembly 12B of this modified example, the outer terminal 24 of the coaxial connector 20 of the connector assembly 12B can be stably connected to the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16, which can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signal propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12B.

[0192] As described above, in the connected state, the first contact portion 402B near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20 presses against the first receiving portion 252 in the front-rear direction. This makes the fixing member 40B always contact the flange portion 25 near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20 in the connected state. Therefore, similar to the first modified example, in the connected state, even if the contact force between the first contact portion 402B and the first receiving portion 252 is not large, for example, the connector assembly 12B of this modified example can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signal propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12B.

[0193] (Third Modified Example)

[0194] Compare Figure 20 with Figure 8 According to the structure 10C of the third modification example, the connector assembly 12C and the substrate 16 are included. The structure of the substrate 16 in this modification example is the same as the structure of the substrate 16 in the foregoing embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted. Similar to the connector assembly 12, the connector assembly 12C is configured to be connected to the substrate 16.

[0195] Compare Figure 20 with Figure 8 The connector assembly 12C in this modification example includes a coaxial connector 20C and a connection member 40C. The connection member 40C is a bent metal plate. The connection member 40C according to this modification example has a predetermined portion serving as a fixing member 41C and two portions serving as fastening members 46C other than the predetermined portion. The resulting connector assembly 12C includes a coaxial connector 20C different from the coaxial connector 20, a fixing member 41C different from the fixing member 40, and two fastening members 46C different from the fastening member 60. Each of the fixing member 41C and the fastening member 46C in this modification example is a part of the connection member 40C. In other words, the fixing member 41C and the two fastening members 46C are integrally formed with each other.

[0196] As Figure 21 shown, the coaxial connector 20C includes an outer terminal 24C different from the outer terminal 24. Except for the outer terminal 24C, the structure of the coaxial connector 20C is the same as the structure of the coaxial connector 20. The outer terminal 24C has a front conductive member 242C different from the front conductive member 242. Except for the front conductive member 242C, the structure of the outer terminal 24C is the same as the structure of the outer terminal 24. The front conductive member 242C has a protrusion 27C different from the protrusion 27. Except for the protrusion 27C, the structure of the front conductive member 242C is the same as the structure of the front conductive member 242.

[0197] Refer to together Figure 18 and Figure 5 , the coaxial connector 20C is configured to be attached to the front end of the coaxial cable 80. Refer to Figure 21 , the coaxial connector 20C includes an outer terminal 24C, a center terminal 21, and an insulating member (not shown). The insulating member insulates the outer terminal 24C and the center terminal 21 from each other. The outer terminal 24C has an end face 26 and two protrusions 27C. The two protrusions 27C are separated from each other in the lateral direction and protrude forward from the end face 26.

[0198] As Figure 21As shown, each protrusion 27C is formed with a press-fit hole 28C. The coaxial connector 20C is formed with a press-fit hole 28C instead of a screw hole 28. Except for this difference, the structure of the coaxial connector 20C is the same as that of the coaxial connector 20. Each press-fit hole 28C of this modified example passes through the protrusion 27C in the vertical direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, each press-fit hole 28C may be a hole with a top cover. Each press-fit hole 28C is an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction. The positions of the press-fit holes 28C respectively correspond to the positions of the vias 72 of the substrate 16 in the horizontal plane. The two press-fit holes 28C arranged in this way are separated from each other in the lateral direction and are located at the same position as each other in the front-rear direction. The number of press-fit holes 28C in this modified example is two. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each protrusion 27C may be formed with two or more press-fit holes 28C.

[0199] As Figure 21 shown, the center terminal 21 has a contact portion 214. The contact portion 214 is located between the two protrusions 27C in the lateral direction and extends forward beyond the end face 26. Specifically, in the pre-connected state where the connector assembly 12C has not been connected to the substrate 16, the contact portion 214 extends forward and downward.

[0200] As Figure 22 shown, the connection member 40C has a fixing member 41C, a pressing portion 42C, and two press-fitting portions 46C or two fastening members 46C. According to this modified example, each press-fitting portion 46C serves as a fastening member 46C. In other words, each fastening member 46C of this modified example is a press-fitting portion 46C.

[0201] As Figure 22 shown, the fixing member 41C has a main portion 401C, a first contact portion 402, two spring portions 404, and two second contact portions 405. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the number of spring portions 404 may be one. In other words, the fixing member 41C should have a main portion 401C, a first contact portion 402, at least one spring portion 404, and two second contact portions 405. The structures of the first contact portion 402, the spring portion 404, and the second contact portion 405 of this modified example are the same as those of the first contact portion 402, the spring portion 404, and the second contact portion 405 of the above embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0202] As Figure 22 shown, the main portion 401C of this modified example extends in a predetermined plane. Specifically, the main portion 401C extends entirely within the predetermined plane. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, a part of the main portion 401C should extend within the predetermined plane. In other words, the main portion 401C should mainly extend within the predetermined plane.

[0203] As Figure 22 shown, the main part 401C has a connecting part 4011 and two extending parts 4012. The structure of the extending part 4012 in this modified example is the same as that of the extending part 4012 in the above embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0204] Referring to Figure 20 and Figure 21 , the connecting part 4011 has an upper surface 40U and a lower surface 40L. According to this modified example, the middle part of the upper surface 40U of the connecting part 4011 in the lateral direction mainly serves as a pressing part 42C. As Figure 22 shown, the two press-fitting parts 46C are respectively located on opposite sides of the connecting part 4011 in the lateral direction. The connecting part 4011 connects the two press-fitting parts 46C together in the lateral direction. Specifically, each press-fitting part 46C is connected to the connecting part 4011. As Figure 20 shown, each press-fitting part 46C extends upward beyond the connecting part 4011.

[0205] Referring to Figure 19 and Figure 21 , in the connection state where the connector assembly 12C is connected to the substrate 16, the first contact part 402 of the fixing member 41C contacts the first receiving part 252 of the flange part 25C. In other words, in the connection state, the first contact part 402 of the fixing member 41C and the first receiving part 252 of the flange part 25C are electrically connected to each other. Referring to Figure 18 and Figure 20 , in the connection state, the second contact part 405 of the fixing member 41C contacts the second receiving part 254 of the flange part 25C. In other words, in the connection state, the second contact part 405 of the fixing member 41C and the second receiving part 254 of the flange part 25C are electrically connected to each other.

[0206] As Figure 22 shown, when the fixing member 41C is observed separately, the fixing member 41C has a first distance D1 between the second contact part 405 and the first contact part 402 in the front-rear direction. In other words, in the initial state where the spring part 404 has not undergone elastic deformation, the fixing member 41C has a first distance D1 between the second contact part 405 and the first contact part 402 in the front-rear direction. Referring to Figure 10 and Figure 22 , the first distance D1 is smaller than the second distance D2. Therefore, in the connection state, while the spring part 404 undergoes elastic deformation, the flange part 25C is clamped between the first contact part 402 and the second contact part 405 of the fixing member 41C through the first receiving part 252 and the second receiving part 254.

[0207] Referring to Figure 18 , Figure 19 andFigure 20 In the connected state, the two spring portions 404 press the two second contact portions 405 against the two second receiving portions 254, respectively. More specifically, in the connected state, the spring portion 404 presses the second contact portion 405 against the second receiving portion 254, while the second contact portion 405 receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion 254 by the pressing of the spring portion 404. Refer to Figure 19 and Figure 21 , in the connected state, the first contact portion 402 presses against the first receiving portion 252 in the front-rear direction by the action of the reaction force. Therefore, the connector assembly 12C of this modified example is configured to firmly connect the fixing member 41C to the outer terminal 24C of the coaxial connector 20C. Therefore, when the connector assembly 12C of this modified example is connected to the substrate 16, the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 is electrically connected to the first receiving portion 252 of the flange portion 25C of the outer terminal 24C in a highly reliable manner. That is, in the connector assembly 12C of this modified example, the outer terminal 24C can be stably connected to the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16, which can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signal propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12C.

[0208] Refer to Figure 18 and Figure 20 , the size of each press-fitting hole 28C in the lateral direction is smaller than the size of each press-fitting portion 46C in the lateral direction. In the connected state, each press-fitting portion 46C is inserted into the press-fitting hole 28C through the via hole 72 of the substrate 16. As Figure 20 shown, each press-fitting portion 46C is formed with a hole portion 48C. Each hole portion 48C extends in the up-down direction and passes through the press-fitting portion 46C in the front-rear direction. When each press-fitting portion 46C formed with the hole portion 48C is stressed in the lateral direction, each press-fitting portion 46C undergoes elastic deformation such that it is partially compressed in the lateral direction. Each elastically deformed press-fitting portion 46C generates a force outward in the lateral direction due to its restoring force.

[0209] As described above, each press-fitting hole 28C is an elongated hole extending in the front-rear direction. Therefore, when the press-fitting portions 46C are respectively press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 28C, the connector assembly 12C allows the press-fitting portions 46C to have a certain degree of flexibility in the front-rear direction with respect to the press-fitting holes 28C. Therefore, the press-fitting portions 46C can be appropriately press-fitted into the press-fitting holes 28C such that the first contact portion 402 of the fixing member 41C is firmly in contact with the first receiving portion 252 of the flange portion 25 in the front-rear direction without any gap therebetween.

[0210] Connect Figure 18 with Figure 1In comparison, the connector assembly 12C is configured to be connected to the substrate 16 not by the method of screwing the screw 60 into the connector assembly 12, but by another connection method of press-fitting the press-fitting portion 46C.

[0211] Specifically, when the connector assembly 12C is connected to the substrate 16, each press-fitting portion 46C is inserted into the press-fitting hole 28C of the coaxial connector 20C through the via hole 72 of the substrate 16. As described above, the size of each press-fitting hole 28C in the lateral direction is smaller than the size of each press-fitting portion 46C in the lateral direction. Therefore, each press-fitting portion 46C is compressed in the lateral direction while being inserted into the press-fitting hole 28C. The press-fitting portion 46C inserted into each press-fitting hole 28C is pressed against the inner wall surface of the press-fitting hole 28C under the action of its restoring force. Therefore, the connecting member 40C is fixed to the coaxial connector 20C, and the connector assembly 12C is connected to the substrate 16.

[0212] Referring to Figure 19 , in the connected state where the connector assembly 12C is connected to the substrate 16, the fixing member 41C of the connecting member 40C is located below the substrate 16 in the vertical direction. Referring to Figure 18 and Figure 20 , in the connected state, the two fastening members 46C of the connecting member 40C are respectively fixed to the two protrusions 27C of the outer terminal 24C through the two via holes 72 of the substrate 16. At the same time, the two fastening members 46C press the pressing portion 42C of the fixing member 41C against a part of the lower surface 70L of the substrate 16, and the signal line 74 is formed above this part. Therefore, the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 (see Figure 21 ) is pressed against the signal line 74 on the substrate 16 and contacts the signal line 74, so that the contact portion 214 and the signal line 74 are electrically connected to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Specifically, the contact portion 214 and the signal line 74 can be connected to each other by soldering.

[0213] According to this modification example, in the connected state, each press-fitting portion 46C is press-fitted into the press-fitting hole 28C through the via hole 72 of the substrate 16. Compared with the connection method using screws, the connection method using press-fitting can be easily completed in a short time.

[0214] (Fourth modification example)

[0215] Comparing Figure 24 with Figure 2 , the structure 10D according to the fourth modification example includes a connector assembly 12D and a substrate 16. The structure of the substrate 16 in this modification example is the same as the structure of the substrate 16 in the foregoing embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted. Similar to the connector assembly 12, the connector assembly 12D is configured to be connected to the substrate 16.

[0216] AsFigure 25 As shown, the connector assembly 12D of this modified example includes a coaxial connector 20D, a fixing member 40D, and two fastening members 60. The structure of the fastening member 60 of this modified example is the same as that of the fastening member 60 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0217] Referring to Figure 25 , the coaxial connector 20D of this modified example includes a center terminal 21 made of a conductor, an insulating member (not shown) made of an insulator, and an outer terminal 24D made of a conductor. The structures of the center terminal 21 and the insulating member are the same as those of the center terminal 21 and the insulating member 22 in the above-described embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0218] As Figure 26 shown, the outer terminal 24D of this modified example includes a front conductive member 242D and a rear conductive member 244. The structure of the rear conductive member 244 of this modified example is the same as that of the rear conductive member 244 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0219] As Figure 25 shown, the outer terminal 24D of this modified example has a flange portion 25D and two protruding portions 27. The structure of the protruding portion 27 of this modified example is the same as that of the protruding portion 27 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0220] Referring to Figure 26 , the flange portion 25D of this modified example has a first receiving portion 252D and two second receiving portions 254D.

[0221] As Figure 25 shown, the first receiving portion 252D faces forward in the front-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the lateral direction. The first receiving portion 252D is located near the middle of the flange portion 25D in the up-down direction. The first receiving portion 252D is located in the middle of the flange portion 25D in the lateral direction.

[0222] Referring to Figure 26 , each of the two second receiving portions 254D faces rearward in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second receiving portion 254D may face rearward in the front-rear direction and face outward in the lateral direction. In other words, each of the two second receiving portions 254D should face at least rearward in the front-rear direction. The second receiving portions 254D are respectively located at opposite ends of the flange portion 25D in the lateral direction.

[0223] As Figure 26As shown, the first receiving portion 252D is located in front of any one of the second receiving portions 254D in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the first receiving portion 252D faces forward and the second receiving portion 254D faces at least rearward, the first receiving portion 252D may be located behind the second receiving portion 254D in the front-rear direction. If the structures of the first receiving portion 252D and the second receiving portion 254D are similar to this modified example, the dimension of the flange portion 25D in the front-rear direction can be reduced. Therefore, the first receiving portion 252D and the second receiving portion 254D of this modified example are more preferable. The flange portion 25D has a second distance D2 between the first receiving portion 252D and any one of the second receiving portions 254D in the front-rear direction.

[0224] Referring to Figure 26 , the flange portion 25D of this modified example has a flat portion 257, an end face 26D, a guiding portion 256D, two first stopper portions 258, and two second stopper portions 259.

[0225] As Figure 26 shown, the flat portion 257 of this modified example is a plane parallel to the YZ plane. The flat portion 257 defines the lower end of the flange portion 25D in the up-down direction.

[0226] As Figure 26 shown, the end face 26D of this modified example is a plane parallel to the YZ plane. The first receiving portion 252D is a part of the end face 26D of the flange portion 25D. Each of the two protruding portions 27 protrudes forward from the end face 26D in the front-rear direction. The contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 is located in front of the end face 26D in the front-rear direction. The contact portion 214 extends forward in the front-rear direction beyond the end face 26D.

[0227] As Figure 26 shown, the guiding portion 256D of this modified example is inclined in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The guiding portion 256D is located between the flat portion 257 and the first receiving portion 252D in the up-down direction. The guiding portion 256D is located above the flat portion 257 in the up-down direction. The guiding portion 256D is located below the first receiving portion 252D in the up-down direction. As Figure 25 shown, the guiding portion 256D is located below the center hole 29 in the up-down direction.

[0228] Referring to Figure 26 , the first stopper portions 258 of this modified example respectively correspond to the second receiving portions 254D. Each first stopper portion 258 is located below the corresponding second receiving portion 254D in the up-down direction. Each first stopper portion 258 faces upward in the up-down direction. Each first stopper portion 258 is a surface perpendicular to the up-down direction. The first stopper portion 258 is located below the second stopper portion 259 in the up-down direction.

[0229] Reference Figure 26 , the second stopper portions 259 of this modified example respectively correspond to the second receiving portions 254D. Each second stopper portion 259 is located above the corresponding second receiving portion 254D in the vertical direction. Each second stopper portion 259 faces downward in the vertical direction. Each second stopper portion 259 is a surface perpendicular to the vertical direction. The second stopper portion 259 is located above the first stopper portion 258 in the vertical direction.

[0230] As Figure 23 and Figure 25 shown, the fixing member 40D has a main portion 401B, a first contact portion 402B, two spring portions 404, two second contact portions 405, two first stopper portions 408, and two second stopper portions 409. The configurations of the main portion 401B, the first contact portion 402B, the spring portion 404, and the second contact portion 405 of this modified example are the same as those of the fixing member 40B of the second modified example. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted. The second contact portions 405 respectively correspond to the first stopper portions 258. The second contact portions 405 respectively correspond to the second stopper portions 259.

[0231] Reference Figure 24 and Figure 25 , when the fixing member 40D is attached to the coaxial connector 20D, the guiding portion 256D guides the first contact portion 402B to the first receiving portion 252D.

[0232] As Figure 24 shown, in the connected state, each protrusion 403B of the first contact portion 402B contacts the first receiving portion 252D. In other words, in the connected state, each protrusion 403B is electrically connected to the first receiving portion 252D of the flange portion 25D. Reference Figure 24 and Figure 25 , in the connected state, each protrusion 403B is located between the two protruding portions 27 in the lateral direction. In the connected state, the two protrusions 403B are respectively located on opposite sides of the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 in the lateral direction. In the connected state, each protrusion 403B is located near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21.

[0233] As Figure 25 shown, when the fixing member 40D is observed alone, the fixing member 40D has a first distance between the second contact portion 405 and the first contact portion 402B in the front-rear direction. In other words, in the initial state where the spring portion 404 is not elastically deformed, the fixing member 40D has a first distance between the second contact portion 405 and the first contact portion 402B in the front-rear direction. Reference Figure 25 and Figure 26 ​​, the first distance is less than the second distance D2. Thus, referring to Figure 23 and Figure 24 , in the connected state, while the spring portion 404 undergoes elastic deformation, the flange portion 25D is sandwiched between the first contact portion 402B and the second contact portion 405 of the fixed member 40D through the first receiving portion 252D and the second receiving portion 254D.

[0234] Referring to Figure 23 , in the connected state, the two spring portions 404 press the two second contact portions 405 against the two second receiving portions 254D respectively. More specifically, in the connected state, the spring portion 404 presses the second contact portion 405 against the second receiving portion 254D, and at the same time, the second contact portion 405 receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion 254D due to the pressing of the spring portion 404. Referring to Figure 24 , in the connected state, each protrusion 403B of the first contact portion 402B presses against the first receiving portion 252D in the front-rear direction under the action of the reaction force. Therefore, the connector assembly 12D of this modified example is also configured to firmly connect the fixed member 40D to the outer terminal 24D of the coaxial connector 20D. Thus, when the connector assembly 12D of this modified example is connected to the substrate 16, the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 is electrically connected to the first receiving portion 252D of the flange portion 25D of the outer terminal 24D in a highly reliable manner. That is, in the connector assembly 12D of this modified example, the outer terminal 24D of the coaxial connector 20D of the connector assembly 12D can be stably connected to the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16, which can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signals propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12D.

[0235] As described above, in the connected state, the first contact portion 402B near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20D presses against the first receiving portion 252D in the front-rear direction. This causes the fixed member 40D to always contact the flange portion 25D near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20D in the connected state. Therefore, similar to the second modified example, in the connected state, even if the contact force between the first contact portion 402B and the first receiving portion 252D is not large, for example, the connector assembly 12D of this modified example can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signals propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12D.

[0236] As Figure 25 shown, the first stopper portions 408 of this modified example correspond to the spring portions 404 respectively. Each first stopper portion 408 is located at the inner end of the second portion 4042 of the corresponding spring portion 404 in the lateral direction. The first stopper portions 408 face downward in the up-down direction.

[0237] Referring toFigure 23 In this modification example, the second stopper portions 409 respectively correspond to the spring portions 404. Each second stopper portion 409 is located at the inner end of the second portion 4042 of the corresponding spring portion 404 in the lateral direction. The second stopper portions 409 face upward in the vertical direction.

[0238] Refer to Figure 24 and Figure 25 , in the connected state, the two fastening members 60 are respectively fixed to the two protrusions 27 of the outer terminal 24D through the two through holes 72 of the substrate 16, and at the same time, the two fastening members 60 press the fixing member 40D against the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16, so that the predetermined plane is perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0239] Refer to Figure 27 , the fixing member 40D of this modification example can take a temporarily assembled state where the fixing member 40D is temporarily assembled to the coaxial connector 20D. Specifically, refer to Figure 25 and Figure 27 , the fixing member 40D is attached to the coaxial connector 20D in the following manner: the spring portion 404 is elastically deformed; the second contact portion 405 is located between the corresponding first stopper portion 258 and the corresponding second stopper portion 259; each protrusion 403B contacts the guide portion 256D. Therefore, the states of the coaxial connector 20D and the fixing member 40D become Figure 27 the temporarily assembled state shown.

[0240] In the temporarily assembled state, the first stopper portion 408 of the fixing member 40D contacts the first stopper portion 258 of the coaxial connector 20D, and at the same time, each protrusion 403B of the fixing member 40D contacts the guide portion 256D. In addition, even if the coaxial connector 20D is flipped downward in the temporarily assembled state, the second stopper portion 409 (see Figure 23 ) of the fixing member 40D also contacts the second stopper portion 259 of the coaxial connector 20D, and at the same time, each protrusion 403B of the fixing member 40D contacts the flat portion 257 of the flange portion 25D. Therefore, in this case, the fixing member 40D does not fall off from the coaxial connector 20D. Therefore, the assembler can transport a set of the fixing member 40D and the coaxial connector 20D in the temporarily assembled state.

[0241] (The fifth modification example)

[0242] As Figure 28 shown, the structure 10E according to the fifth modification example includes a connector assembly 12E and a substrate 16. The structure of the substrate 16 in this modification example is the same as that of the substrate 16 in the above embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted. Similar to the connector assembly 12, the connector assembly 12E is configured to be connected to the substrate 16.

[0243] As Figure 30 shown, the connector assembly 12E of this modified example includes a coaxial connector 20E, a fixing member 40E, and two fastening members 60. The structure of the fastening member 60 of this modified example is the same as that of the fastening member 60 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0244] Referring Figure 30 , the coaxial connector 20E of this modified example includes a center terminal 21 made of a conductor, an insulating member (not shown) made of an insulator, and an outer terminal 24E made of a conductor. The structures of the center terminal 21 and the insulating member of this modified example are the same as those of the center terminal 21 and the insulating member 22 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0245] As Figure 32 shown, the outer terminal 24E of this modified example includes a front conductive member 242E and a rear conductive member 244. The structure of the rear conductive member 244 of this modified example is the same as that of the rear conductive member 244 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0246] As Figure 30 shown, the outer terminal 24E of this modified example has a flange portion 25E and two protruding portions 27. The structures of the protruding portions 27 of this modified example are the same as those of the protruding portions 27 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0247] Referring Figure 32 , the flange portion 25E of this modified example has a first receiving portion 252 and two second receiving portions 254E. The structure of the first receiving portion 252 of this modified example is the same as that of the first receiving portion 252 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0248] As Figure 29 shown, each of the two second receiving portions 254E faces rearward in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The second receiving portion 254E may face rearward in the front-rear direction and face outward in the lateral direction. In other words, each of the two second receiving portions 254E should face at least rearward in the front-rear direction. The second receiving portions 254E are respectively located at opposite ends of the flange portion 25E in the lateral direction.

[0249] As Figure 29As shown, the first receiving portion 252 is located in front of any one of the second receiving portions 254E in the front-rear direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the first receiving portion 252 faces forward and the second receiving portion 254E faces at least rearward, the first receiving portion 252 may be located behind the second receiving portion 254E in the front-rear direction. If the structures of the first receiving portion 252 and the second receiving portion 254E are similar to those of this modified example, the size of the flange portion 25E in the front-rear direction can be reduced. Therefore, the first receiving portion 252 and the second receiving portion 254E of this modified example are more preferable.

[0250] As Figure 29 shown, the two second receiving portions 254E include a second main receiving portion 2541 and a second auxiliary receiving portion 2542.

[0251] As Figure 29 shown, the second main receiving portion 2541 is located at the end of the flange portion 25E in the lateral direction. Specifically, the second main receiving portion 2541 is located at the right end of the flange portion 25E in the left-right direction. The second main receiving portion 2541 is located in front of the second auxiliary receiving portion 2542 in the front-rear direction. As Figure 32 shown, the flange portion 25E has a second distance D2 between the first receiving portion 252 and the second main receiving portion 2541 in the front-rear direction. In other words, the flange portion 25E has a second distance D2 between the first receiving portion 252 and the second receiving portion 254E in the front-rear direction.

[0252] As Figure 29 shown, the second auxiliary receiving portion 2542 is located at the other end of the flange portion 25E in the lateral direction. Specifically, the second auxiliary receiving portion 2542 is located at the left end of the flange portion 25E in the left-right direction. The second auxiliary receiving portion 2542 is located behind the second main receiving portion 2541 in the front-rear direction.

[0253] As Figure 32 shown, the flange portion 25E of this modified example has a guiding portion 256E. The guiding portion 256 is inclined in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction. The guiding portion 256E is located below the second main receiving portion 2541 in the up-down direction.

[0254] As Figure 30 shown, the fixing member 40E of this modified example has a flat plate shape. As Figure 30 and Figure 33 shown, the fixing member 40E has an upper surface 40U and a lower surface 40L. The fixing member 40E is made of metal. As Figure 28 shown, in the connected state where the connector assembly 12E is connected to the substrate 16, the fixing member 40E is located below the substrate 16 in the up-down direction. In the connected state, the fixing member 40E is in contact with the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16.

[0255] As Figure 33 shown, the fixing member 40E of this modified example has a main portion 401E, a first contact portion 402E, a spring portion 404E, a support portion 406, and two second contact portions 405E. In the connected state, the first contact portion 402E is located near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21. The structure of the first contact portion 402E of this modified example is the same as that of the first contact portion 402A of the fixing member 40A of the first modified example. Therefore, the detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0256] As Figure 33 shown, the main portion 401E of this modified example extends in a predetermined plane. Specifically, the main portion 401E extends entirely within the predetermined plane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, a part of the main portion 401E should extend within the predetermined plane. In other words, the main portion 401E should mainly extend within the predetermined plane. The main portion 401E has an extension portion 4012E. The extension portion 4012E is located at the end of the main portion 401E in the lateral direction. Specifically, the extension portion 4012E is located at the right end of the main portion 401E in the left-right direction.

[0257] As Figure 33 shown, the spring portion 404E of this modified example extends from the main portion 401E and is elastically deformable. The spring portion 404E extends rearward from the main portion 401E in the front-rear direction. The spring portion 404E has a first portion 4041E and a second portion 4042E.

[0258] As Figure 33 shown, the first portion 4041E of this modified example extends in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the first portion 4041E mainly extends in the front-rear direction. When the fixing member 40E is observed alone, the first portion 4041E extends rearward from the main portion 401E in the front-rear direction and extends inward from the main portion 401E in the lateral direction. Specifically, when the fixing member 40E is observed alone, the first portion 4041E extends rearward from the extension portion 4012E of the main portion 401E in the front-rear direction and extends inward from the extension portion 4012E of the main portion 401E in the lateral direction.

[0259] As Figure 33 shown, the second portion 4042E of this modified example extends from the first portion 4041E in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction. Specifically, the second portion 4042E extends inward from the first portion 4041E in the lateral direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0260] As Figure 33As shown, the support portion 406 of this modified example extends from the main portion 401E. Specifically, the support portion 406 extends rearward in the front-rear direction from the left end of the main portion 401E and is bent so as to extend inward in the lateral direction.

[0261] As Figure 33 shown, the two second contact portions 405E of this modified example are separated from each other in the lateral direction. As Figure 29 shown, in the connected state, the second contact portions 405E are in contact with the second receiving portions 254E respectively. In the connected state, the second contact portions 405E of the fixing member 40E made of metal are electrically connected to the second receiving portions 254E of the flange portion 25E made of metal. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, in the connected state, the second contact portions 405E and the second receiving portions 254E may not be electrically connected to each other.

[0262] As Figure 33 shown, the two second contact portions 405E include a second main contact portion 4051 and a second auxiliary contact portion 4052.

[0263] As Figure 33 shown, the second main contact portion 4051 is located near the inner end of the second portion 4042E in the lateral direction. The second main contact portion 4051 is located on the right side of the second auxiliary contact portion 4052 in the left-right direction. The spring portion 404E supports the second main contact portion 4051. Therefore, the second main contact portion 4051 can move within a predetermined plane. Referring to Figure 29 , when the fixing member 40E is attached to the coaxial connector 20E, the guiding portion 256E guides the second main contact portion 4051 to the second main receiving portion 2541. In the connected state, the second main contact portion 4051 is in contact with the second main receiving portion 2541.

[0264] As ​ shown, the second auxiliary contact portion 4052 is located near the inner end of the support portion 406 in the lateral direction. The support portion 406 supports the second auxiliary contact portion 4052. The second auxiliary contact portion 4052 is located on the left side of the second main contact portion 4051 in the left-right direction. The second auxiliary contact portion 4052 is located near the left end of the fixing member 40E in the left-right direction. As ​ shown, in the connected state, the second auxiliary contact portion 4052 is in contact with the second auxiliary receiving portion 2542. Referring to ​ and ​ , when the fixing member 40E is observed alone, the fixing member 40E has a distance between the second auxiliary contact portion 4052 and the first contact portion 402E in the front-rear direction, and the distance is approximately equal to the second distance D2.

[0265] As ​As shown, when the fixing member 40E is observed alone, the fixing member 40E has a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second main contact portion 4051 and the first contact portion 402E. In other words, when the fixing member 40E is observed alone, the fixing member 40E has a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second contact portion 405E and the first contact portion 402E. In the initial state where the spring portion 404E is not elastically deformed, the fixing member 40E has a first distance D1 in the front-rear direction between the second main contact portion 4051 and the first contact portion 402E. Refer to ​ and ​ , the first distance D1 is smaller than the second distance D2. Therefore, in the connected state, while the spring portion 404E is elastically deformed, the flange portion 25E is sandwiched between the first contact portion 402E and the second main contact portion 4051 of the fixing member 40E through the first receiving portion 252 and the second main receiving portion 2541.

[0266] Refer to ​ , in the connected state, the spring portion 404E presses the second main contact portion 4051 against the second main receiving portion 2541, and at the same time, the second main contact portion 4051 receives a reaction force from the second main receiving portion 2541 through the pressing of the spring portion 404E. In the connected state, the first contact portion 402E presses against the first receiving portion 252 in the front-rear direction under the action of the reaction force. Therefore, the connector assembly 12E of this modified example is configured to firmly connect the fixing member 40E to the outer terminal 24E of the coaxial connector 20E. Therefore, when the connector assembly 12E of this modified example is connected to the substrate 16, the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16 is electrically connected to the first receiving portion 252 of the flange portion 25E of the outer terminal 24E in a highly reliable manner. That is, in the connector assembly 12E of this modified example, the outer terminal 24E of the coaxial connector 20E of the connector assembly 12E can be stably connected to the ground layer 78A of the substrate 16, which can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signal propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12E.

[0267] As described above, in the connected state, the first contact portion 402E near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20E presses against the first receiving portion 252 in the front-rear direction. This makes the fixing member 40E always contact the flange portion 25E near the contact portion 214 of the center terminal 21 of the coaxial connector 20E in the connected state. Therefore, similar to the first modified example, in the connected state, even if the contact force between the first contact portion 402E and the first receiving portion 252 is not large, for example, the connector assembly 12E of this modified example can safely reduce the reflection characteristics of the signal propagated between the substrate 16 and the connector assembly 12E.

[0268] As ​As shown, the fixing member 40E has a pressing portion 42E. As will be described later, the pressing portion 42E is a portion configured to press against the substrate 16 in the connected state (see ​ ). According to this modification example, the middle portion of the upper surface 40U in the lateral direction mainly serves as the pressing portion 42E.

[0269] Referring to ​ , the connector assembly 12E of this modification example is configured such that the second auxiliary receiving portion 2542 is located at the left end of the flange portion 25E, while the second auxiliary contact portion 4052 supported by the support portion 406 is located near the left end of the fixing member 40E. When a fastening member 60, which is a right-handed screw 60, is screwed into the screw hole 28 (see ​ ), when the fixing member 40E is viewed from below, the fixing member 40E is subjected to a force that causes the fixing member 40E to rotate clockwise. In the connector assembly 12E of this modification example, the second auxiliary receiving portion 2542 and the second auxiliary contact portion 4052 are arranged as described above. Therefore, when a fastening member 60 is screwed into the screw hole 28, the second auxiliary receiving portion 2542 that contacts the second auxiliary contact portion 4052 is subjected to a force. This can prevent the fixing member 400E from rotating relative to the flange portion 25E.

[0270] Although the present invention has been specifically described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and other forms can be adopted.

[0271] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention is intended to cover all such embodiments that fall within the true scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly configured to be connected to a substrate, wherein: The substrate is formed with two via holes, each of which passes through the substrate in an up-down direction, the substrate has an upper surface and a lower surface in the up-down direction, a signal line is formed on the upper surface of the substrate, the signal line is located between the two via holes in a lateral direction perpendicular to the up-down direction, and a ground layer is formed on the lower surface of the substrate; The connector assembly includes a coaxial connector, a fixing member and two fastening members; The coaxial connector is configured to be attached to a distal end of a coaxial cable; The coaxial connector includes an outer terminal and a center terminal; The outer terminal has a flange portion and two protrusions; The flange portion has a first receiving portion and two second receiving portions; The first receiving portion faces forward in a front-to-rear direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the lateral direction; Each of the two second receiving portions faces at least rearward in the front-rear direction; The two protrusions are separated from each other in the transverse direction; Each of the two protrusions extends forward from the flange portion in the front-rear direction; The fixing member is made of metal; In a connected state where the connector assembly is connected to the substrate, the fixing member is located below the substrate in the up-down direction; In the connected state, the ground layer of the substrate is electrically connected to the first receiving portion of the flange portion through the fixing member; The fixing member has a main portion, a first contact portion, at least one spring portion and two second contact portions; The main portion extends within a predetermined plane; The first contact portion is disposed at the main portion; The first contact portion is at least partially located between the two second contact portions; The spring portion extends from the main portion and is elastically deformable; The two second contact portions are separated from each other in the lateral direction; At least one of the two second contact portions is supported by the spring portion and is movable within the predetermined plane; In the connected state, the spring portion presses the second contact portion against the second receiving portion, and the second contact portion receives a reaction force from the second receiving portion by the pressing of the spring portion; In the connected state, the first contact portion is pressed against the first receiving portion along the front-rear direction under the action of the reaction force; and In the connected state, the two fastening members are fixed to the two protrusions of the external terminal through the two via holes of the substrate respectively, and the two fastening members press the fixing member against the ground layer of the substrate so that the predetermined plane is perpendicular to the up-down direction.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first receiving portion is located in front of any one of the second receiving portions in the front-rear direction.

3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The spring portion has a first portion and a second portion; The first portion extends in the front-to-rear direction; the second portion extends from the first portion in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction; The second contact portion is supported by the second portion; When the fixing member is viewed alone, the fixing member has a first distance between at least one second contact portion and the first contact portion in the front-to-rear direction; The flange portion has a second distance between the first receiving portion and the second receiving portion in the front-rear direction; and The first distance is smaller than the second distance.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing member has two spring parts; The two spring portions support the two second contact portions respectively; and In the connected state, the two spring portions press the two second contact portions against the two second receiving portions, respectively.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first contact portion includes at least one protrusion; The protrusion protrudes rearward from the main portion in the front-rear direction; and In the connected state, the protrusion is located between the two projections in the transverse direction.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing member is formed with two fastening holes; Each of the fastening holes passes through the fixing member along the up-down direction; Each of the fastening members is a screw; Each of the protrusions is formed with a screw hole; and In the connected state, each of the fastening members is screwed into the screw hole through the fastening hole of the fixing member and the through hole of the substrate.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The fixing member and the two fastening members are formed integrally with each other; Each of the fastening members is a press-fit portion; Each of the protrusions is formed with a press-fit hole; and In the connected state, each of the press-fit portions is press-fitted into the press-fit hole through the via hole of the substrate.

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